The language of the sufferer continues along the same lines as in Psalm 130.1-2, where the psalmist appeals to God from “out of the depths” of his despair. Called on thy name is a common Old Testament expression meaning “cried out, implored, asked for help.” Thy name is the equivalent of “to you,” and so Good News Translation has “I cried out to you”; alternatively we may say “I cried out to you for help” or “I cried out, ‘LORD, help me.’ ” See also Genesis 4.26; 12.8; 26.25; Isaiah 12.4; 65.1.

Depths of the pit: pit translates the same word used in verse 53. However, here the word refers not to a trap for animals but rather to the place of the dead, as in Psalm 88.6, and this is sometimes translated “the grave” or “burial place.” Verse 55 may be expressed, for example, “From the bottom of the grave I called to you, LORD,” “From the deepest hole, LORD, I called out to you for help,” or “From the bottom of the pit I cried out, ‘LORD, help me.’ ”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on Lamentations. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1992. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .